Changes to the childhood vaccination schedule from January 2026

摘要

The NHS childhood vaccination schedule has been updated from January 2026 to provide children with even better protection, including earlier protection against some diseases and new vaccines covering additional diseases.

詳細內容

The NHS childhood vaccination schedule has recently been updated to help give children even better protection against diseases. Changes include protecting children against some diseases earlier and adding vaccines that protect against more diseases.

Major changes to the schedule:

1. Chickenpox (varicella) vaccination introduced:

New addition: MMRV vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella)
Replaces: Previous MMR vaccine
Additional protection: Now protects against chickenpox as well as measles, mumps, rubella
Schedule: Same timing as previous MMR (12 months and 3 years 4 months)

2. Earlier protection against some diseases: Timing adjustments to provide protection when children need it most, based on latest epidemiological evidence

3. Updated vaccine formulations: Some vaccines updated to newer formulations with broader protection or improved safety profiles

Rationale for changes:

Why add chickenpox vaccine?

Disease burden: Chickenpox causes significant illness in children
Complications: Can lead to serious bacterial infections, pneumonia, encephalitis
Hospitalizations: Prevents hundreds of hospitalizations annually
Deaths: Prevents deaths from chickenpox complications
Shingles prevention: May reduce future shingles burden
School absence: Reduces time children miss from school
Parental burden: Reduces need for parents to take time off work

Evidence-based updates: All changes based on:

Clinical trial data
Real-world effectiveness evidence from other countries
UK epidemiological data
Safety monitoring
Cost-effectiveness analysis
Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) recommendations

What parents need to know:

For children starting the schedule:

Will receive updated schedule automatically
No action needed - GP practice will call when due
Free through NHS

For children already partially vaccinated:

May be offered catch-up doses
GP practice will provide guidance
Parents can check Red Book (child health record)

Updated schedule (simplified overview):

8 weeks: 6-in-1 vaccine + others
12 weeks: 6-in-1 + others
16 weeks: 6-in-1 + others
12 months: MMRV (new - includes chickenpox)
3 years 4 months: MMRV booster + 4-in-1 preschool booster
(Additional vaccines at other ages as per full schedule)

Safety:

All vaccines extensively tested before introduction
Continuous safety monitoring after introduction
UK has world-leading vaccine safety surveillance
Benefits far outweigh very small risks

Effectiveness: The updated schedule is expected to prevent:

Thousands of chickenpox cases annually
Hundreds of chickenpox-related hospitalizations
Several deaths per year
Substantial school and work absence
Improved timing for other vaccines enhances protection

Questions parents may have:

“Why wasn’t chickenpox vaccine offered before?”

Evidence base has evolved
Cost-effectiveness now demonstrated
Manufacturing capacity now available
Successful programs in other countries provide reassurance

“Are more vaccines too many?”

No - children’s immune systems can handle far more than the vaccines provide
Combined vaccines reduce number of injections needed
Spacing optimized for best immune response

“What if my older child missed these?”

Catch-up programs may be available
Speak to GP practice
Protection still valuable even if delayed

Important message: These changes represent the latest evidence-based improvements to one of the world’s most successful vaccination programs. Ensuring children receive all recommended vaccines on schedule gives them the best possible protection against serious diseases. Parents should check their child’s Red Book and keep appointments when called.

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